Tucson man in suicide pact with mom feared charges

FLAGSTAFF — A Tucson mother and son found dead near the Oak Creek Canyon Overlook on Oct. 9 apparently made a suicide pact because the son believed he was facing federal criminal charges.

The Arizona Daily Sun in Flagstaff reports Coconino County medical examiners determined that 58-year-old John Francis Farney shot his 79-year-old mother and then turned the gun on himself.

Both left suicide notes. John Farney’s proclaimed his innocence but said he wouldn’t survive “the stigma of the accusations.” Darline Lee Farney’s note said her son was innocent and she couldn’t go on without him.

Sheriff’s reports show John Farney was a hospice nurse.

The sheriff’s office confirmed an open investigation but said it was sealed. Tucson police and Pima sheriff’s say they had no open cases against John Farney.